Learning to use a Slow Cooker

April 10, 2013

As many of you will know I am a home economist. Would you believe when I went to university, I had to wait almost two years before they even let us in the kitchen, because we had to have all the foundational elements of chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry and microbiology covered?

Trust me I was shocked too! Anyhow I digress!

Today I wanted to talk about slow cookers. It might surprise you but I am a complete novice when it comes to using a slow cooker. A lot of my meal planning clients know, and I am very upfront that I have the “L” plates (learners) on when it comes to operating and knowing how to use a slow cooker.

I was speaking with a friend of mine who is a home economist and used to work many moons ago in the Rosella test kitchen in Victoria. She is a crock pot fan – having used one religiously when she was raising her children and working full time. What I couldn’t understand was MY aversion to them, I wonder if it is also because I didn’t grow up with them? My family preferred to make everything from scratch and when you need it. Plus I think they would be too worried the house would burn down leaving it on all day 😉

I also think the reason I’ve struggled to bond with slow cookers is you don’t interact with your food. You put it in and then it is done. It’s like it didn’t need me! Which is not entirely bad!

So I’ve had some great success with cooking lamb roasts in the slow cooker (click here to check out the recipe) so I am building my confidence and am on the look out for slow cooker recipes to test and try out!

So over the next few months I’ll share some recipes as I go and would love to hear about your tried and true slow cooker recipes too!